Forensic Analyst
Also known as: Forensic Expert · Forensic Examiner · Forensic Lab Analyst
Examines evidence such as documents, fingerprints or samples in a lab and writes reports for investigators.
What you’d do
Examines physical evidence — for example questioned documents, fingerprints, chemical or biological samples — and writes reports that investigators and courts can use. Government forensic science laboratories employ most forensic scientists; private forensic labs, document-examination and verification firms also hire. The work is lab-based and record-heavy, with strict chain-of-custody rules.
- Receive and log evidence with chain of custody
- Examine samples, documents or prints
- Record findings and write reports
- Maintain lab equipment and records
How you get in
In private labs, freshers start as trainee analysts or lab assistants. Government lab posts (scientific assistant, scientific officer) come through SSC, state PSC or department notices and usually need a science or forensic science degree, often a master's.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Careful observation and documentation
- Lab techniques for your specialisation
- Chain-of-custody and evidence handling
- Clear report writing
- Explaining findings in plain language
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition4
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Sc (all subjects) graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field4
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Sc (all subjects) graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Government posts are limited and competitive; most need a master's.
- Each lab division (documents, DNA, toxicology, etc.) needs specific training.
- Reports may need to be defended in court.
Stay safe
No legitimate employer ever asks you to pay to get a job.